 Spinalonga
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Spinalonga is a small islet located at the northwestern entrance of Elounda¢s harbor. It is the most famous small islet in Crete due to its unique history. The Venetians, in their attempt to organize the island¢s defense system, built a fortress on it. For its construction, they used building material from a pre-existing ancient fortress. The Venetian castle, according to the inscription preserved at its entrance, was founded in 1579. When Crete came under Turkish rule, the Venetians retained control of the Spinalonga fortress. Later, it was inhabited by Muslims. In 1903, by decision of the Cretan State, the islet was converted into a leper colony. Since 1957, it has remained uninhabited. In recent years, the restoration of the island¢s buildings has begun.
Access to Spinalonga is by caiques departing from the port of Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
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